U’s captain Craig Eastmond was shown two yellow cards with his side 2-0 up at the Suit Direct Stadium before Hartlepool staged a dramatic comeback.
David Ajiboye gave Matt Gray’s side the lead before Lee Angol doubled their advantage.
Sutton were in control at that point until Eastmond was shown a second yellow and dismissed.
Hartlepool got one back with an excellent free kick from deadline day signing Dan Kemp who curled beyond the outstretched Jack Rose from 25-yards.
And Hartlepool quickly found themselves on level terms when Dan Dodds spectacularly found the far corner with a dipping effort when capitalising on a loose clearance from the away side.
But Pools were unable to make their man advantage count in the second half as they had to settle for a draw.
And here is how Pools were rated:
. Dan Dodds celebrates scoring Hartlepool United's second goal against Sutton United in their League Two match at the Suit Direct Stadium.
Hartlepool United came from behind to rescue a point against Sutton United. (Photo: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Jakub Stolarczyk - 7
Beaten twice but made a couple of big saves. Excellent double stop from Smith at 0-1 and a big stop to deny Angol at 2-2. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News ) Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Jamie Sterry - 6
Didn’t see much of him until late in the first half when Hartlepool were finally able to get forward. One or two link ups with Dodds and Kemp again. Bit more of an outlet early in the second half before taken off with a knock. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Dan Dodds - 7
Found it difficult at times defensively up against the physicality of Bugiel and Angol. One who started to get his foot on the ball and move Pools up the field. Superb take and finish for the equaliser. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
5. Edon Pruti - 6
Good block to turn Angol’s effort over the bar in the first half. Went close with a header. Steadied after the break. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
6. David Ferguson - 6
Made a good block on Bugiel in the second half and was allowed to get forward more. Little wasteful at times with his final ball. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
7. Nicky Featherstone - 6
Got away with one early on after Bugiel robbed him outside of his own area. Like most in blue and white he struggled with the physicality of Sutton in the first half. Played a role in the equaliser. Subbed. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
8. Oliver Finney - 6
Booked for a really rash challenge on Randall. Pools maybe needed that to try and spark something but it nullified him a little. Good exchange with Jennings in the second half. (Photo: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher